Charlotte’s Thurgood Marshall College Fund Impacts HBCU Students

By HERE News

A lack of funds is one of the main reasons many African American students drop out of college. According to the United Negro College Fund, 65% of Black college students are balancing school with full-time work and family responsibilities, with more than 80% relying on financial aid.

One longstanding scholarship fund for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students is the Thurgood Marshall College Fund based in Washington, D.C., founded by Dr. Joyce Payne in 1987.

Dr. Joyce Payne’s Journey

In a recent conversation with HERE News, Dr. Joyce Payne shared the fund’s humble beginnings as the Black Scholarship Program in the mid-1980s. Through partnerships with corporations like Philip Morris and the Miller Brewing Company, the fund received its initial half-million-dollar donation, paving the way for its transformation into the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in 1987.

Impact and Evolution

Since its inception, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund has awarded over $400 million in scholarships to students at state-assisted HBCUs, with an emphasis on merit-based and financial aid scholarships.

Dr. Payne highlighted the fund’s significant impact by sharing success stories of students who have received support, such as a Mississippi State Valley University graduate who now works in China’s agriculture sector after obtaining her MBA from Columbia University.

Financial Support

On average, students receive around $4,700 per semester from the fund, providing crucial assistance, particularly for students attending public universities where tuition costs are more affordable.

Addressing Challenges

Dr. Payne also addressed challenges faced by HBCU students, particularly regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. She emphasized the fund’s advocacy efforts to minimize the impact of FAFSA issues on HBCU enrollment.

Recognizing Excellence

Recently, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund presented CEO Impact and Her Impact Awards to Lowe’s Companies CEO Marvin Ellison and Charlotte businesswoman Zandra Sue Johnson for their support of HBCU students and contributions to advancing issues of race and equity.

As the fund continues its mission to empower HBCU students, Dr. Payne reaffirmed its commitment to providing opportunities and resources for academic and professional growth.